Massage therapy is a popular way to relieve muscle strain and pain.
That said, you don't have to go to a professional to see results. Percussive massagers (also called massage guns) apply brief pressures to your muscle tissue.
Therefore, they help reduce muscle soreness by increasing blood flow to the target area (
But with so many of these massagers on the market, how do you find the right one for you?
To help you decide, we've rounded up the 10 best massage guns of 2022.
When looking for the best massage guns, we also considered the following criteria:
- strength. We're looking for products that spin at 2,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) or higher.
- special function. We considered massage guns with special features such as attachable head, carrying case, lightweight design and multiple massage modes.
- customer reviews. All of the products on this list mostly have positive customer reviews.
- review. The massage guns on our list have been vetted to ensure they meet Healthline's brand integrity standards and approach to wellness. You can read more about our review process.
quietest massage gun
Theragun Elite
price: $$$
The Theragun Elite is a favorite among chiropractors, athletes, and recreational exercisers because of its powerful motors and five attachable heads for targeted muscle relief.
The device offers five speed options, allowing you to dig deeper or lighter in more sensitive areas.
It's also quieter than many other massage guns and weighs just 2.2 lbs (1 kg), making it easy to fit in a gym bag.
best battery life
Achedaway Pro Percussion and Vibration Massager
price: $$$
The Achedaway Pro's removable battery lasts up to 4 hours on a single charge, and if you choose to purchase an additional battery, you'll get up to 8 hours of total battery life.
This is a great option for those with chronic muscle pain who don't want to worry about charging their device between sessions.
It also has five speeds and four attachable heads for all your post-workout massage needs.
Additionally, the Achedaway Pro Percussion and Vibration Massager is lightweight and has received high customer reviews for its powerful motor.
The most versatile massage gun
Vybe PRO Handheld Deep Muscle Massager
price: $$
With nine intensity levels and eight attachments, including a deep tissue massage option, the Vybe PRO is one of the most versatile on the market.
It also has long battery life, a quiet motor and a convenient travel case.
However, some customers pointed out that the quality of the connectable headers could be better, which might not be a deal breaker considering its affordable price.
best value massage gun
Lifepro Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
price: $$
The Sonic Handheld Massager offers an affordable and powerful option for sore muscles.
It also features five intensity levels, eight massage heads, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 6 hours of battery life.
Reviewers noted that it was easy to switch speeds and remained comfortable for long periods of time.
While it offers a lifetime warranty, some customers report difficulty getting a refund or replacement part.
The best high-end massage guns
Theragun PRO
price: $$$
Theragun PRO is a great choice for serious athletes as it offers a variety of speeds and attachments for a deep and powerful massage.
The PRO stands out from other products on the market because of its ergonomic grip and adjustable head, allowing you to use the massager at different angles without tiring your hands.
Using Bluetooth functionality, you can also connect Theragun PRO to the Therabody app for a personalized wellness routine.
Plus, it comes with two rechargeable batteries, so you can charge one while you're using the other.
However, the $599 Theragun PRO is one of the most expensive massage guns on the market.
Best Massage Guns for Athletes
Legal Le3 Massage Gun
price: $$
For athletes who want the power of Theragun PRO at a lower cost, the Legiral Le3 Massage Gun is a great choice.
This massage gun has over 24,000 positive reviews online and comes with up to 20 speed settings, six head attachments and 6 hours of battery life.
However, the Legiral Le3 is not a good choice for those looking for a gentler massage, as some clients find the massager to be too intense. It's also one of the heaviest options on this list.
best lightweight massage gun
Renpho R3 Massage Gun
price: $$
Weighs only 1.5 lbs. (0.68kg), if you are looking for a full size massage gun that is lightweight and easy to carry, the Renpho R3 is a good choice.
It has five speeds, comes with a carrying case, and charges with a USB-C cable, which many find handy.
Five attachable heads make it easy to target knots in various parts of the body, such as the neck, shoulder blades or buttocks.
Best Massage Guns for Deep Tissue
Vybe V2 Percussion Massager
price: $
The Vybe V2 Percussion Massager can produce up to 60 pounds. (27.2kg) impact provides a deep, powerful massage.
Three connectors are designed to provide deep tissue relief, and the wireless device can help loosen muscle knots, relieve tension and improve mobility.
It also offers six intensity levels and a swivel arm so you can reach most areas of your body.
Keep in mind that the Vybe V2's motor is quite noisy.
best mini massage gun
Renpho Mini Massage Gun
price: $
The Renpho Mini Massage Gun is a small, portable device that's powerful enough to pack a punch.
It has five intensities that target warm up, fascial relief, lactic acid breakdown, deep tissue and professional impact.
The lightweight massager is quiet running and has four attachable heads that focus on daily use, the spinal area, the muscle knots and the skeletal area.
Plus, thanks to its convenient travel case and lightweight design, it can easily be stored in a backpack, purse, or on the go.
Best Massage Guns for Workout Recovery
Hyperice Hypervolt 2
price: $$
Hypervolt 2 offers speeds of up to 2,700 blows per minute and three pressure levels to help relieve post-workout pain, soreness and stiffness. Plus, it's lighter than the original Hypervolt, has better battery life, and features a more streamlined design.
It also supports Bluetooth so you can save your preferred settings using the Hyperice app.
While it can also be used to warm up muscles before a workout, many reviewers mention it's great for relieving muscle soreness after an intense workout.
As a bonus, the Hypervolt 2 is TSA certified and includes three plug adapters and a carrying case for attachable heads. (You can also buy a carrying case for the massage gun itself.)
While using a massage gun is fairly straightforward, there are a few important things to know:
- Avoid massaging any areas of severe pain, especially if your pain gets worse over time.
- Start by massaging the least sensitive areas of your body for a short period of time.
- To prevent the massager from overheating, always follow the time limit set by the manufacturer.
How and when should you use a massage gun?
Kelsey Decker, education coordinator for NSCA-CPT and StretchLab, told Healthline, “I recommend starting with a lower intensity to make sure your body can handle the sensation. You can also increase the intensity by putting more pressure on the focal area. .. Spend about 30 seconds to 2 minutes per muscle group area.”
According to Decker, “You can use a massage gun before a workout to relieve tension and activate muscles, then do a dynamic warm-up before working out. You can also use it for post-workout recovery to help relieve tension. ”
That said, more research is needed to determine whether using a massage gun before or after a workout is more beneficial, and what speed and duration are most effective (
Should you still stretch if you use a massage gun?
Decker points out that a massage gun isn't a replacement for stretching, but you can use the tool in conjunction with stretching to relieve muscle tension in areas of tension or areas of concern.
She explained, “[A] A massage gun can help a muscle group relax before transitioning to a stretch of the same muscle group. For example, if you have tight buttocks and it's hard to loosen them when you stretch, use the massage gun device for 30 seconds to a minute before re-stretching your hips. ”
When to Avoid Using a Massage Gun
To stay safe, Decker recommends focusing on the muscles and fascia while avoiding bones, tendons, joints, and ligaments.
You also need to avoid massage guns, according to Decker:
- joint, disc, or bone damage
- on metal screws, implants or pins
- If you have excessive pain, inflammation or acute injury
- if you have a pacemaker
- if you have vertigo
Finally, Healthline recommends talking with a healthcare professional before using a massage gun, especially if you have any medical conditions or are on medication.
Professionals can also advise you on best practices if you are recovering from an injury or surgery.
Would a doctor recommend a massage gun?
Many doctors recommend massage guns to help:
- relieve pressure
- relieve muscle soreness
- Improve exercise recovery
They may advise you on the best technique and recommend a specific massage gun type or model.
You should consult your doctor before using a massage gun if you have:
- take medicine
- have health problems
- recovering from injury
They can determine if the equipment is safe and suitable for your needs.
Do massage guns help arthritis?
While massage is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for people with arthritis, research supporting the effectiveness of massage guns for arthritis is lacking.
Theragun recommends against using massage guns on body parts that are sensitive to pressure and bone. Additionally, the company says people with certain health conditions should speak with their healthcare professional before use.
It is important to speak with your healthcare professional before attempting any treatment for arthritis.
Can I use a massage gun while pregnant?
Using a massage gun during pregnancy may provide similar benefits to prenatal massage. Research in 2021 suggests that relaxing massage during pregnancy may help relieve pain, improve mood, and improve sleep (4).
During the first trimester, it is best to avoid using a massage gun or any type of massage, as this may increase the risk of miscarriage.
Once you're in your second trimester, it's probably safe to use a massage gun as long as you talk to your healthcare professional beforehand. You can sit or lie on your left side while using the massage gun. Don't lie on your stomach, and don't lie on your back for long periods of time.
Avoid massaging the abdominal area and pressure points. Don't push too hard, especially on your legs.
Massage during pregnancy may not be suitable for people who:
- preeclampsia
- hypertension
- blood clots or blood clotting conditions
- gestational diabetes
- Placenta problems, including placenta previa
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
